Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, with 90 percent of Canadians having at least one risk factor for the disease (1). Cardiovascular disease includes conditions such as angina, stroke, and heart attack. CVD is caused when “plaque breaks away from the artery wall (and causes) a clot to form which may lodge in an artery, … Read More
Losing Winter Weight the Right Way
According to Johns Hopkins University, the average person gains five to seven pounds during the winter months. Since 3500 calories equals one pound of fat, the average person consumes an extra 17,500-24,500 calories in winter. Why We Gain Weight in Winter There is a biological reason we are hungrier in winter, and it is probably not because our bodies need … Read More
Preventing Falls: A 3-Step Guide for Seniors
20 to 30 percent of Canadian seniors fall each year, meaning falls are the number one cause of injury in older Canadians (1). Falls often lead to hospitalization and surgery. Injuries caused by falls are not only difficult for those who are personally affected; they also cause financial stress for the economy and are emotionally draining for caretakers. More Than … Read More
3 Exercises for Spinal Stenosis
‘Spinal stenosis’ refers to a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. The condition can be painful and limiting. Spinal stenosis is part of the aging process, but it can and should be managed. In some cases, spinal stenosis is congenital (1). Do You Have Spinal Stenosis? Know the Symptoms. Spinal stenosis … Read More
Physiotherapist Explains How to Prevent Falls and Injuries at Work
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death, particularly in seniors. When it comes to Generation X, Baby Boomers, and even Millennials, injuries often happen at work as a result of too much sitting. Have you ever worried about either of these issues and wondered how to stay injury-free? In an exclusive interview, physiotherapist Brad Ross shared his secrets … Read More
Physiotherapist Rhea Dufort Reveals What Only PTs Know
“Why should I get physiotherapy?” “How can I prevent injuries this winter?” “What questions should I ask my physiotherapist?” “What questions will my physiotherapist ask me in our first session?” If you’ve ever asked yourself (or the Internet) questions like these about physiotherapy, you are not alone. In your searching, what you’ve probably found is that there is only so … Read More
What to Do If You Have Cervicogenic Headaches
When was the last time your head hurt? If you are like most people, your answer is “recently.” Headaches, which affect millions of people each year, are the primary reason individuals take over-the-counter pain medications1. They are also the cause of emotional distress since many people cannot figure out what is causing their headaches. Are you in this boat? A … Read More
Lateral Epicondylalgia/Tennis Elbow: How it is Treated
What is one cause of pain in the boney point at the outside of the elbow? A correct answer is “lateral epicondylalgia,” aka “tennis elbow.” Oddly enough, tennis elbow doesn’t just bother tennis players; in 95 percent of cases, it affects non-athletes. This can be frustrating and confusing to those who have never swung a racquet. They wonder what they’ve … Read More
The Role of Physiotherapy in Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Rehab
Let’s face it: rehabilitating from total knee replacement can be tough. It is often a long, slow process that offers few rewards in the beginning stages. Physiotherapy plays a key role in total knee replacement (TKR) rehab. In fact, complete recovery from TKR may not be possible without the intervention of physiotherapy. When Does Physiotherapy Start After a TKR? Usually, … Read More
Is Hyperlordosis the Cause of Your Low Back Pain?
Low back pain. This term brings a host of negative thoughts to mind. Most of us have experienced at least minor low back pain for a short period of time as a result of a sprained or strained muscle. Others deal with chronic low back pain. Physiopedia stated, “The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is reported to be as … Read More